A close-up of an Army Combat Uniform shows the chaplain branch insignia, a cross, on the collar. The Army released guidance removing rank insignia from the chest of chaplains’ combat uniforms and placing the chaplain insignia on the collars, emphasizing their role as religious leaders and pastoral care providers. (Justin Rachal/U.S. Army)
Army chaplains will have 90 days to remove rank insignia from combat uniforms under new guidance implementing a Pentagon policy announced earlier this year.
The change is part of a broader Defense Department effort to make military chaplains appear more like clergy so soldiers will feel less intimidated and be likelier to turn to the chaplains for guidance.
Pentagon officials argue that troops may be more willing to seek confidential counseling if chaplains are not identifiable by rank.
Under an Army directive issued Tuesday, chaplains also must remove rank insignia from the Army’s layered cold-weather uniform, known as the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, within 180 days.
Instead of displaying rank on those uniforms, chaplains will wear branch insignia representing their faith group. The directive lists approved insignia for Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu chaplains.
On the Army Combat Uniform, the branch insignia will be worn on both collars of the coat. Chaplains also must remove the hook-and-loop fastener used to display rank from the center chest of the uniform and may not replace it with a blank patch, according to the directive.
Chaplain insignia also will be worn on patrol caps and berets.
“This emphasizes a chaplain’s primary role as a pastoral care provider and enhances approachability, ensuring all Soldiers feel comfortable accessing religious support,” the directive states.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the policy in March, saying the move would help junior enlisted troops and officers feel more comfortable approaching chaplains about sensitive issues, including addiction, relationships and struggles with faith.
The policy has drawn criticism from some retired chaplains, who argue that rank helps establish a chaplain’s authority within the military and that removing it could create uncertainty in some settings.
The directive clarifies that chaplains will remain commissioned officers and retain all authority, customs and courtesies associated with their rank.
The changes apply only to combat and field uniforms. Chaplains will continue to wear rank insignia on service and dress uniforms, including the Army Service Uniform, Army Green Service Uniform and Army Blue and White Mess uniforms.
The policy does not apply to chaplain candidates, who will continue wearing rank and branch insignia under existing regulations.
In a separate statement published June 25, the Army said enlisted troops should continue saluting chaplains because they remain commissioned officers, while officers should exchange salutes with chaplains when a chaplain’s grade is not readily apparent.
Neither the directive nor the Army statement addressed whether the Navy or Air Force will issue similar implementation guidance.
